DARLINGTON hope to beat the weather and host Tamworth in the FA Trophy first round on Saturday.

At the time of writing the club is optimistic that if the predicted milder weather arrives then they will be able to play for the first time in a fortnight.

They have lost only two games to the weather, but don’t want the fixtures to pile up.

Having been knocked out of the FA Cup by York in their last game, Quakers know that the Trophy - while less glamorous - offers the last chance of cup glory this season.

“We want to do well in the league and the knockout games,” said manager Mark Cooper. “I feel that success in the cups can help with league form. I don't see the cups as a distraction.”

The players have trained mainly indoors, and will relish getting back out on the pitch to put right the things that went wrong against York.

They have already beaten Tamworth in the league, albeit in a tight game by 1-0 last month, and will be looking to secure a double.

Cooper has a a full squad to select from - apart for long term absentee Paul Terry.

Ticket prices for the game have been reduced. They are priced £10 for adults and £5 concessions (over-60s and under-16s only). Adult season ticket holders - whose season tickets apply only for league games - can buy their own seat in advance at a reduced price of £8, up to 5pm on Thursday December 9.

DARLINGTON'S youth team travel to face Arsenal on Tuesday to face the mighty Gunners in the FA Youth Cup.